Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Ben Cleveland has been the presumed favorite to start at left guard in 2023 to replace Ben Powers. But over the final few weeks of offseason workouts, John Simpson, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and Daniel Faalele have gotten opportunities to state their case, while Cleveland has been moved around the offensive line. The Ravens might be at the point where they are trying to determine if the oft-injured Cleveland might help them elsewhere. It doesn't bode well for the former third-round pick in 2021, and he's going to need to report to training camp at the end of July ready to make a statement.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Georgia offensive lineman Ben Cleveland with the No. 94 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft on Friday night. Cleveland is a beast on the football field, and he should help offset the loss of right tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. At 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, Cleveland has the size and strength to be a Week 1 starter in his rookie season if the Ravens choose to go that route. In a run-first offense, Baltimore will surely rely on his pure strength and physicality on the offensive line. He can be stiff with his lateral movement, but Cleveland has good hands and fits nicely with the Ravens physical style of play.
